April 2016

OUR REGION

Ground broken on new, modern IH 30-SH 360 interchange

In most cases around the region, the freeway system is seamless, allowing drivers who need to get across town to use multiple highways without having to navigate a maze of entrance and exit ramps. If they need to get from downtown Fort Worth to the northeastern part of the region, they can travel Interstate Highway 30 to the President George Bush Turnpike and on to Plano, for example, without being stuck at a red light.

By 2020, the same convenience will be available for commuters needing to get from IH 30 to north or south Arlington via State Highway 360. FWTAexas Department of Transportation has broken ground on the $233 million IH 30-SH 360 interchange. The new connection will eliminate the outmoded cloverleaf ramps at IH 30 and Six Flags Drive, replacing them with a series of direct-connect ramps to SH 360 that will allow more efficient travel between the two freeways.

This improvement will be funded primarily by Proposition 1, which will cover $210 million of the project. TxDOT and the project partner established Keep30360moving.org with information about the project.

Motorists can sign up for email alerts about road closures, detours and other developments during construction. Ground was broken on the project in March, and work is already underway. For example, westbound Copeland Road has been closed permanently between Six Flags Drive and Ballpark Way so it can be reconfigured.

For those who want a preview of the interchange, the website also contains a video illustrating what the finished product will look like.

The improvements to the corridor, including reconstructed IH 30 and SH 360 main lanes, aim to make the area safer and more efficient for motorists. The Six Flags Drive bridge will also be expanded, and the road extended north to Avenue H.

This is the largest project awarded Proposition 1 funding to date, according to TxDOT. FWTAexas Transportation Commission awarded the project to Houston’s Williams Brothers Construction Co. in November.

RTC POLICYMAKERS

FWTA Master Plan focuses on system growth

Making transit more attractive and convenient, connecting more people with more places, and making transit easier to use are among the objectives of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority’s Transit Master Plan, unanimously accepted by agency’s board of directors recently.

With a focus on the next five years, the Transit Master Plan presents an opportunity to create an inviting transit system that will offer more places for more people – and more possibilities. Among the services targeted are commuter rail to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, bus rapid transit and expanded bus service to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding Tarrant County.

To develop this plan, FWTA conducted a year-long public outreach program to find out how services could be improved and how people could be encouraged to use transit in Tarrant County. Active community involvement played a significant role in the planning process.

FWTAransit Master Plan is consistent with the city of Fort Worth’s Master Thoroughfare Plan, NCTCOG’s recently adopted Mobility 2040 and other planning initiatives.

The board is committed to pursuing the vision and goals, and working with funding partners to prioritize plan elements. For more details about the master plan, go to TMasterPlan.org. — Submitted by FWTA.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Online comment opportunity starts April 11

NCTCOG staff will seek comments starting April 11 on a control-measure substitution and work program modifications.

In the development of Mobility 2040, staff members identified an interim high-occupancy vehicle lane project needing to be replaced with express lanes to help manage congestion in the south Dallas corridor. This project is included in the State Implementation Plan, and staff is required to replace the interim HOV project with another project yielding the same air quality benefits. Details of the substitution as well as the start of the 2016 ozone season will be highlighted.

Additionally, proposed modifications to the fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2017 Unified Planning Work Program will be available for public review and comment. The UPWP provides a summary of the transportation and related air quality planning tasks conducted by the metropolitan planning organization. Information will be online April 11 - May 10, 2016, at NCTCOG.org/input. To request printed copies, call 817-695-9284 or email awilson@nctcog.org.

Turn off engines to prevent long-term idling

Children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems are especially at risk to adverse health effects from the air pollution produced by idling cars. The toxic air pollutants emitted from idling have been linked to asthma, decreased lung function, cardiac disease, cancer and other serious health problems.

So remember: If you stop for longer than 10 seconds — except in traffic — turn your engine off. To learn more about benefits of idle reduction and choices you can make to protect your neighbors, visit EngineOffNorthTexas.org.

It’s the time of year for North Texans to enjoy the outdoors. Many cities and organizations are celebrating mild temperatures and sunny weather with spring festivals. NCTCOG is participating in several such events this month to discuss air quality initiatives and transportation planning.

Residents who attend Fort Worth’s Earth Party, Lewisville’s ColorPalooza, Oak Cliff Earth Day and Earth Day Texas at Fair Park, among others, can visit with NCTCOG about projects and programs helping to improve transportation in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Staff will also highlight Try Parking It, Air North Texas, Clean Air Action Day, Look Out Texans safety campaign and the NCTCOG Active Transportation Program, among other efforts. Brochures and publications will be distributed, as well as lunch bags, water bottles, activity books, crayons and other educational items. For the complete calendar of events NCTCOG will attend, visit AirNorthTexas.org/events.asp.

Public comments

Comments or questions about transportation or air quality topics may be submitted at any time. Submit questions or comments online or send them to: